Can food plants absorb PFAS from contaminated soil and water?

What's actually in it

Farmland can become contaminated with PFAS through sewage sludge used as fertilizer, contaminated irrigation water, and industrial runoff. Once in the soil, PFAS are taken up by plant roots. Leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruit can all absorb these "forever chemicals" into their edible parts.

What the research says

A 2026 review in J Agric Food Chem examined the potential for food plants to contribute to human PFAS intake. The review found that plants grown in contaminated soil take up measurable levels of PFAS. Short-chain PFAS were absorbed more readily than long-chain types. Leafy greens and root vegetables showed the highest uptake.

This means that even people who avoid nonstick cookware and filtered their water could still be getting PFAS from fruits and vegetables grown on contaminated land. The PFAS can't be washed off because they're inside the plant tissue.

Choose organic produce, which can't be grown with sewage sludge. Support local farms you trust and ask about their soil testing. Vary your produce sources to spread out any potential contamination.